Black Ink

by Elizabeth Sinclair
(St. Augustine, FL)

When I first started submitting my work to editors, I was as sensitive as any new writer. For the most part, I grew a tough skin and learned to weather the rejections . . . until I got the absolute worst rejection I ever had. My ms was returned with "GARBAGE. NOT INTERESTED" written in huge, black magic marker letters across Page 1. I wish I'd saved it so, when the book was published by Silouette Intimate Moments a year later, I could have sent that editor a copy of my "garbage."

My advcie to writers about rejections is what another writer told me long ago . . . take five minutes to scream, cry, and rant, then get back to what's important . . . writing.

Good luck to all!

Comments for Black Ink

Some of these rejections are just plain rude. You wouldn't send your worst enemy this kind of comment. Marilee is right, though, what someone rejects, someone else will accept (best to think that when the rejections come in, anyway).
Sue

Jul 21, 2010

Inspirationalby: Anonymous

Love the fact that you shared a black moment. Valuable lesseon for all potential writers. One publisher's "garbage" is another's "jewel."